copy of PLATY CORALLO

Measuring 9-10 cm

Large aquariums 50L

value of the ph 6.5-7,5

Granules, food in scales, frozen foods

South America

temperature 22-24oC

water hardness 0-20

Minimum aquarium size: 120x50x50h cm for a group of 6-8 specimens

The hoplos are not particularly shy catfish, but they still appreciate many hiding places and shelters in the form of rocks, plants and interlaced trunks. Floating plants that screen the light are also appreciated, even if they will be well in almost all installations. These fishes like to dig a lot, so it is necessary to take care that all structures are stable and do not risk falling on them during excavations.

You have to provide a fine and non-cut sand bottom, as fish likes to plough the substrate with buns, looking for food.

Keep in mind that the Hoplos are very turbulent during meals, so make sure to provide food at different points of the aquarium at the same time, so that the other fish receive their share. The most shy and nervous species can be reluctant to feed when the Hoplos launch in their hectic way of food research. The thoracata Megalechis have the ability to breathe air with the intestine, so it is necessary to leave a small space between the surface of the water and the cover, so that they can rise to the surface to aspire air. They can do it many times a day.

Their supposed tolerance to conditions anything but ideal in nature, should not be used as an excuse to neglect the aquarium. A good maintenance and water change regime is a must, and the thoracata Megalechis will thoracata thrive in water with a lot of current and well oxygenated.

Behavior and compatibility: The thoracata Megalechis are excellent bottom inhabitants for larger aquariums, with medium-sized tank companions. Because they reach quite large size from adults, should not be bred with fishes of similar proportions to the Neon, as they will be eaten during the night, When the Hoplos are more active. Suitable tank components may include medium size Barbus/Puntius, large species of Rainbowfish, large species of Devario, species of Tetra medium sized or deep body, such as Phenacogrammus interruptus, Gymnocorymbus ternetzi, etc., medium-sized Rasbora species, etc. The adaptable and resistant nature of hoplos ensures that they can be bred in almost all configurations, even with larger and aggressive species like the Cyclades of Central America.

It is better to breed the Megalechis thoracata in groups of 5 or more specimens. In nature it is said that they meet thousands, such is their sociable nature.